There are approximately 1,500 soldiers serving with 39 CBG. About 90% of them are reservists – community based part-time soldiers. The rest are members serving full time with the Reserve, or are members of the Regular Force supporting Reserve Force capabilities.

The members of 39 CBG train on evenings and weekends in addition to their civilian careers or university studies. Most spend their summer holidays furthering their soldier skills in training centers across Canada. 

39 CBG is Force Generator that recruits and trains soldiers and leaders with a view to supporting domestic and expeditionary operations. 39 CBG stands ready to support Joint Task Force Pacific (JTFP) in times of domestic operations (i.e. forest fires and floods), and provides individual augmentation to Regular Force Battle Groups with LFWA and other Areas across the country. Every year, 39 CBG soldiers volunteer to serve around the world in UN and NATO sanctioned operations.

Capabilities and Resources

39 CBG maintains reserve combat arms, engineer, and service support capabilities to assist JTFP when tasked. Engineer capabilities, when ordered, can be employed during times of emergency to temporarily repair roadways and bridge gaps, for example. 

The greatest capability and resource that 39 CBG has is its members. The Brigade, when tasked, can spool up a company of reserve soldiers (that’s over 100 personnel) within 48 hours to support JTFP or LFWA operations. Over 300 reserve soldiers from 39 CBG have deployed to support the mission in Afghanistan during the past five years, and over 250 reserve soldiers deployed at home for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.   

Summary

39 Canadian Brigade group is the Canadian Forces Army Reserve in British Columbia. The majority of serving members have civilian jobs and work part time for the Canadian Forces. 39 CBG is committed to the safety and security of Canadians at home and abroad.